New opportunities to learn about water research and technology

Immersive trips to Germany and Israel will connect students to the challenges of water insecurity and practical solutions

Opportunities include a seminar, two global immersion programs and a symposium

Trips to Germany and Israel connect students to practical solutions

Deadline to apply is March 31

EVANSTON - Northwestern University students interested in learning more about water research and technology are encouraged to apply for several opportunities available this year on campus and abroad.

Seminar course

A seminar course on water in Israel and the Middle East will take place this spring. It will be taught by professor Aaron Packman, director of the Center for Water Research at Northwestern, and Elie Rekhess, associate director for Israel Studies at the Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies. The course will shed light on the centrality of water systems in the region, the challenge of water insecurity and innovations in water management and reuse.

The arid region provides an example to a world on the cusp of global water shortages.

“Water scarcity in the Middle East represents a major cause for state instability and failure,” Rekhess said. “The region suffers from chronic water crisis. Growing populations, climate change, continuous drought and lack of renewable fresh water -- all combine in creating a severe humanitarian crisis.”

Global immersion

A 10-day trip to Israel in September will take students to a country at the forefront of water technology. Students will explore the applications of big data and advanced materials in water processes, visit the world’s largest desalination facility and engage with students and faculty at leading universities. Applications are due March 31.

In addition, students interested in clean energy and sustainability can immerse themselves for 10 days in Germany. The students will visit companies and research universities in Heidelberg, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. They also will explore research and career opportunities in solar, wind, energy storage, climate science, big data and smart grid optimization. Applications are due March 31.